A Look Ahead: Harrison Prom

Prom has been on the minds of Harrison students well before this week.

This April Harrison High School held its second annual event in which donations of formal wear and prom-friendly accessories were collected and donated to a neighboring high school in need. This year, the attire was given to the girls of Thornton High School in Mt. Vernon.

Now, as the month of June approaches, it's Harrison's turn to strap on the heels and ties. Their prom will be held at the VIP Club in New Rochelle next Thursday, from 7 p.m. to midnight. The evening promises to fill those hours with celebration, laughter and dancing. However, the traditionally formal event won't be without firmly enforced security policies.

"As with previous years, we're holding pre-prom meetings," said Dr. James Ruck, Harrison High School Principal. "We want to make sure the kids have a good time, but also that their parents are reassured in regards to their safety."

Approximately 300 students are expected to attend. Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini said the police department will be vigilant in its watch on prom night, which in serving with tradition, will be held on a Thursday.

"We're always on the lookout for underage alcohol consumption," Marraccini said. "But prom night has brought about incidents in the past. We'll have a D.A.R.E. officer there, Alexandra Gramigna, so our continuing education system is always in place."

Last week the school district held an alcohol awareness program for the students able to go to prom. For traffic safety education, a wrecked car was brought in to demonstrate the dangerous possible results of drinking under the influence. The idea is to show students that even at the innocent age of 18, mistakes can be life altering.

"There will always be issues that arise," said Marracini. "But with the preparations that we and the Harrison School District take, there's a much better chance of the process running smoothly."

The district requires attendees to provide a number at which parents can be reached in case of an emergency or need for pick-up. Indiscretions such as alcohol consumption may affect the student's presence at the graduation ceremony.

"We don't want to scare anybody, or put a damper on the evening," said Ruck. "We want the kids to have a good time, but our job is to ensure their safety."

Ruck also explained the Thursday night Prom tradition.

"Well, for one, its less expensive for the kids who want to arrange for limos and other extras. But it's a tradition in Harrison, and its not meant to be a deterrent for misbehavior, but the students are expected to attend school the next day," said Ruck. "If seniors want to miss class, they'll have to have a note from home."

All precautions aside, the principal said that the event is meant to be fun. So although the district and police will be watching out for those who misbehave, students should enjoy themselves.

"These measures aside, every year the kids look forward to prom night, and they have a great time," said Ruck. "We have a pre-prom hour that allows everyone to arrive in style and kick-off the celebration of the end of the year."